The Huntington St Joe Irish (17-7) qualified for the Class A state tournament by picking up a 46-42 win over the Tolsia Rebels (15-10) in the Region IV Co-Championship at Spring Valley High School.
The Irish start two seniors, two sophomores and one senior. Many thought this would be a rebuilding year, but they improved as the season went on and now find themselves at a chance for a state championship.
The Rebels jumped out of the gate quickly and took a 13-6 lead after the first quarter. St Joe fought back in the second period and tied the game up at 22-22 at the intermission.
Tolsia regained the lead in the third frame to take a 35-30 advantage into the final period. St Joe outscored Tolsia, 16-7, in the fourth quarter to take the win.
Miciah Ehrim paced the Irish with 15 points. Grady Paynter and Gavin Polan followed with 14 points each. Nymir Bryant finished with 3 points.
Tolsia was led by Parker Watts’ 23 points. CJ Waller scored 8 points. Robert Evans followed with 7 points. Cole Blackburn and Bryson Muncy chipped in with 2 points each.
The Irish were given the 8th seed in the Class A state tournament and will battle top seed Tucker County next Wednesday at the Charleston Civic Center. The opening tip is set for 5:30 pm.
